During the (long) Ascension weekend, the troglodyte village of La Madeleine, in Tursac, in Périgord Noir, will delve into the past. For the fourth year, the site is organizing La Madeleine d’antan (1). The principle is simple, it’s about giving pride of place to forgotten professions. Strapworker, baker, ironworker, lacemakers, shepherd, etc. There will be something for everyone. In total, there will be around fifty people visiting the tourist spot.
The troglodyte village of La Madeleine in Tursac.
Archives Stéphanie Claude
“In terms of numbers, it increases a little compared to the last editions,” assures Louis Hamelin, the site manager. The idea is to take advantage of the crowds that should be there this weekend. » A stroke of luck for the organizers, the weather should (finally) turn nice this weekend. Ideal for attending the demonstrations that will take place over these three days.
Lots of new stuff
“It’s really the DNA of this event,” points out Louis Hamelin. Our desire is for artisans to pass on their know-how and their passion. »
Some will appear this year. We think, for example, of a lime manufacturer, or even a feather worker. But that’s not all. Tracking workshops (by reservation) will take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. with Francis Collie. Likewise, workshops for making balms from medicinal plants are planned, as is an introduction to searching for water with a dowser (again, by reservation).
But La Madeleine d’antan is also a celebration. Saturday evening, a peasant meal will be offered at the site’s farm (by reservation) before a traditional ball.
Saturday and Sunday, the Olympiads will return. “In all, there will be seven events,” explains Louis Hamelin. Like tug of war, thruster shooting, sack race…”
For Louis and Marie Hamelin, the managers, the goal is “to bring La Madeleine back to life for a weekend. This is really important to us. » The brother and sister are thinking about developing other things, such as, for example, storytelling evenings. This will also be the case this summer, on August 6 and 20.
